A lot can happen in 12 years. That many years had past since I’d seen my Aunt and Uncle, but I was finally back in Nebraska with my wife and now mostly grown kids. Along with the years passing, so had passed many people in our family.
After the greetings and small talk petered out, after a while, we got around to acknowledging and sharing the loss of parents, children and siblings. we had not talked much in the intervening 12 years so There was a lot to say and Feel.
Seeing my Uncle Dave has been an important goal for this summer roadtrip. He’s always been a strong and benevolent, if distant patriarchal figure in my life. My mother’s older brother, as manly as they come with a deep voice, powerful frame and lion like presence. Competant, humble, unassuming with quik laugh and a dicerning eye. He’s creative like a mountain man would be. Good with his hands, inventive, pragmatic, and kind to animals. He operates heavy equipment, trucks, and motorcycles with ease. I always looked up to him and respected him.
In my quest to grow and change this year I hoped to remember or learn something from this still standing and still strong man who now approaches 81 years of age.
We enjoyed their gracious midwest hospitality and renewed our connections though hours of story telling and memory sharing.
I’m still reflecting on what I Learned and remembered, and will think on that as we roll toward the Black Hills. But, I do remember what he said in My ear as he gave me a parting bear hug. He said, ” have fun”, in an instructive and kindly advice kind of way, not trite.
Maybe that is what I needed to learn or remember! Have Fun!
So, now I share this wisdom with you, have fun because the years go fast and those we love will soon pass, as will we.
Thanks Uncle Dave 🙂 I love you.
Ben Wagner
Member the365 Commitment (219)
